Smudging Ceremony and Lighting of the Kullik: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Friday, Sept. 27, 2-3 p.m.

Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation atrium (first floor)

A smudging ceremony and lesson will take place in recognition of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, followed by the lighting of the Kullik. Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony, and to take the time to observe, listen and learn. Smudging is a First Nations purification ceremony involving the lighting of sacred medicinal plants, and often happens in spaces in which First Nations knowledges are shared. These smudges aim to familiarize the Memorial community with the practice and its significance.

Smudging is also one of many traditional practices residential schools actively disparaged and disrupted in the effort to assimilate students. Participants are encouraged to wear or display orange as a symbol of solidarity with those who survived residential schools and an act of remembrance for those who never made it home. Buttons are available at resource tables placed across the St. John’s campus, and orange shirts available to purchase at the Bookstore (UC-2006, all proceeds will be donated to First Light). Following the ceremony, the community is invited on a campus walk to Juniper House.

Presented by Office of Indigenous Affairs

Event Listing 2024-09-27 14:00:00 2024-09-27 15:00:00 America/St_Johns Smudging Ceremony and Lighting of the Kullik: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation A smudging ceremony and lesson will take place in recognition of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, followed by the lighting of the Kullik. Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony, and to take the time to observe, listen and learn. Smudging is a First Nations purification ceremony involving the lighting of sacred medicinal plants, and often happens in spaces in which First Nations knowledges are shared. These smudges aim to familiarize the Memorial community with the practice and its significance. Smudging is also one of many traditional practices residential schools actively disparaged and disrupted in the effort to assimilate students. Participants are encouraged to wear or display orange as a symbol of solidarity with those who survived residential schools and an act of remembrance for those who never made it home. Buttons are available at resource tables placed across the St. John’s campus, and orange shirts available to purchase at the Bookstore (UC-2006, all proceeds will be donated to First Light). Following the ceremony, the community is invited on a campus walk to Juniper House. Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation atrium (first floor) Office of Indigenous Affairs